Group 1: Oil Price Impact - Oil prices have surged from $60-$70 per barrel to over $100 due to the Iran war, before easing to around $85 [1] - The average price of regular gasoline has increased from $2.92 to $3.54 per gallon, while diesel prices rose from $3.66 to $4.78 [2] Group 2: Consumer and Business Effects - Higher oil prices lead to increased transportation costs for businesses, including grocery stores, which may result in higher food prices for consumers [2] - The current price shock at the pump is affecting consumer spending, with uncertainty regarding the duration of this shock [3] - Businesses are facing a delicate pricing environment due to rising input costs and consumer affordability issues [4] Group 3: Broader Economic Implications - Talent costs are rising alongside transportation costs, creating additional financial strain on businesses [5] - The overall economic environment is characterized by increased pricing sensitivity among consumers, complicating businesses' ability to manage costs [4][5]

Core Insights - Promethos Capital has sold its entire holding of 34,935 shares in Sprouts Farmers Market for approximately $3.80 million, reflecting a significant decline in the fund's position value [1][2] Company Overview - Sprouts Farmers Market is a leading U.S. grocery retailer specializing in fresh, natural, and organic foods, operating 464 stores across 24 states [5] - The company reported a total revenue of $8.65 billion and a net income of $513.45 million for the trailing twelve months (TTM) [4] - As of February 13, 2026, the market capitalization of Sprouts Farmers Market was $6.71 billion, with shares trading at $68.96, down 60.9% over the past year [3][4] Financial Performance - Sprouts Farmers Market's share price has significantly underperformed, lagging the S&P 500 by 73 percentage points [3] - The company's stock price has seen a drastic decline of 53% over the last six months, following a period of growth where shares were previously valued over $160 [9] Investment Context - Promethos Capital originally purchased shares at around $48 in Q4 2023 and had previously increased its holdings before selling [9] - The current valuation of Sprouts Farmers Market is considered attractive, trading at 13 times earnings and 15 times free cash flow, despite ongoing capital expenditures for new store growth [10] - The company is actively expanding into nine new states and aims to reach 1,400 locations in the long term [10]

Core Insights - Loblaw Companies Limited announced a transaction involving the sale of President's Choice Bank and affiliated entities to EQB Inc., along with a long-term strategic relationship with EQB [1] - The company has entered into an automatic share purchase plan (ASPP) to facilitate the purchase of EQB Common Shares [2] Group 1: Transaction Details - The ASPP allows Loblaw's broker to purchase up to 1,220,000 EQB Common Shares, including shares acquired prior to the ASPP [2] - The ASPP will terminate once the maximum amount is purchased or upon closing of the transaction, whichever comes first [2] Group 2: Company Overview - Loblaw is Canada's largest retailer, providing a wide range of products and services including grocery, pharmacy, health and beauty, apparel, and financial services [3] - The company operates over 2,800 locations and employs more than 220,000 individuals, making it one of Canada's largest private sector employers [3] Group 3: Company Purpose and Offerings - Loblaw's purpose is to prioritize the needs and well-being of Canadians, facilitating approximately one billion transactions annually [4] - The company offers a diverse range of grocery stores, pharmacies, financial services, and popular consumer brands [4]

Core Viewpoint - Loblaw Companies Limited has successfully completed a private placement offering of $500 million in senior unsecured notes, which will be used to repay existing debt and for general corporate purposes [2][3]. Group 1: Offering Details - The offering consists of $500 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes with an interest rate of 4.387% per annum, maturing on June 16, 2035 [2]. - The notes are unsecured obligations and rank equally with all existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the company [3]. Group 2: Credit Ratings - Morningstar DBRS has assigned a credit rating of "BBB (high)" with a "Positive" trend to the notes, while Standard and Poor's Rating Services has rated them "BBB+" [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - Loblaw is Canada's leading food and pharmacy retailer, operating over 2,800 locations and employing more than 220,000 individuals [6]. - The company offers a wide range of products and services, including grocery, pharmacy, health services, apparel, and financial services, catering to the needs of Canadians [6][7].

Grocery Price Trends and Influencing Factors - Grocery prices have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic [1] - There was a pause in grocery prices at the time of the report [2] - Tariff uncertainties are impacting import costs, leading importers to consider splitting the cost with consumers [3] - Increased costs from tariffs on goods from India and potential price increases from Ecuador are concerns [3][6] Impact on Business and Margins - Increased import costs, such as a container of shrimp from India rising from $200,000 to $300,000 due to tariffs, are impacting businesses [5] - Supermarket businesses are operating on thin margins and are currently absorbing some of the increased costs [9] - The ability to sustain current margins is uncertain if tariffs remain unchanged [11] Sourcing and Local Focus - The business sources a significant portion of its products from local farmers, including New Jersey blueberries, Delaware watermelon, and local corn [8] - The company had to find alternative sources from around the world during COVID-19 [11] Customer Behavior and Concerns - Customers are concerned about food costs, but sales remain strong, even for premium items [15] External Factors - Weather conditions are impacting feed costs for cattle ranchers, leading to a slight increase in beef prices [13][14]